Désalpes-Charmey 28.09.2013

DSCN9684 The bus from Bulle to Charmey was packed! DSCN9715 We found a good spot perched on a knoll behind the church DSCN9714 Others watched from neighboring buildings DSCN9711 From this vantage point we had a good view of the west end of the village
DSCN9713 A bronze chamois above the fountain DSCN9695 This is really the Mother of All Désalpes! DSC06055 Herd after herd came through the town DSCN9727 The running of the cows...
DSCN9816 When the big cows came through they were like a flotilla, filling the road DSCN9697 Everybody puts on their local costumes DSC06056 to march around behind the livestock DSC06054 Herders are called "armaillis"
DSCN9689 Puffy sleeves, aprons and aprons DSC06057 Swiss milkmaids with high-tec hikers and some kind of drink DSCN9690 I wonder how to decode the outfits? DSCN9807 The Next Generation on parade!
DSCN9809 I can't imagine that they stay this clean up in the alpage! DSCN9799 The older animals carried enormous headdresses and bells DSCN9800 All dressed up! DSCN9811 Wagons loaded with cheese making equipment
DSCN9757 Production of cheese and children DSCN9758 The kit DSCN9805 One way of bring the summer's cheese production down to the valley DSCN9812 Another way to bring down the cheese
DSCN9814 The wheels of cheese are not light! DSCN9815 At times, it seems vaguely Hindu! DSCN9729 I recall the aprons and dresses of Tibetan women DSCN9698 All an expression of who "we" are
DSC06052 There were costumes in and alongside the parading cows DSCN9718 The crowd is expressing its Suissitude as well DSC06061 So while this is about cows and cheese, it is also about Identity DSC06063 Modern intrusions pose no problem
DSCN9704 The old and the new co-exist DSC06059 Passing on the tradition along with the sticks DSCN9706 These costumes are quite different - different neighborhood? DSCN9717 When will the children be granted traditional dress?
DSCN9726 Some already have it DSCN9724 Do armaillis score better with the women? DSCN9723 And, it hits me, not only identity but also fecundity, many generations present and some on the way DSCN9733 Meanwhile in the distance, flag flinging and alpine horns
DSCN9734 Waves of Suissitude wash over us... DSCN9721 People pretending to be cows DSCN9720 The point is that they are loud! DSC06076 Goats pretending to be cows
DSCN9732 Car pretending to be a cow. DSCN9687 How many photos were taken this day? DSC06053 I'm right in there with the rest of 'em! DSCN9712 I spy Sarah and Christine beneath the umbrella
DSC06064 which shelters a fromager DSC06065 Many varieties! DSCN9709 which must be tasted DSCN9710 Celebratory!
DSC06068 Demonstrations of how it's done with the chauderon DSC06067 There are of course many stands and yet more cheese DSC06069 It's very organized DSC06074 and well presented
DSC06073 Immaculate! DSC06070 Presumably all different producers under the Gruyère appelation DSC06071 Nelson and Sarah DSC06072 Family plus friend
DSCN9760 Did I say that this was a popular event? DSCN9762 Découpage in wood DSC06083 Lots of handicraft stands DSC06084 Expressing again just who we are.
DSC06085 and who wouldn't want a bell? DSC06086 say, for Christmas! DSC06087 You can imagine the price! DSCN9763 Whimsical cow art
DSC06088 Boiling caramel DSC06089 A convivial market DSC06091 Folk art- La Poya - replicating in graphic form the parade that passes before us DSCN9764 Of course it is a great occasion to consume
DSC06092 What's this? DSC06093 More flag flinging! DSC06095 The horn section DSC06096 swatting it out
DSCN9770 Looking at the play list DSCN9768 Not yet an Olympic event DSC06097 Get your picture taken with Grumpy and Sneezy! DSCN9774 It's really ZZ Top!
DSCN9765 Behind the scenes, rescue services await DSCN9740 A knot of bovines DSC06079 Nice bouquet! DSC06081 In all her finery
DSCN9739 Jeanne and her public DSCN9745 Whose 40 years? DSCN9746 "When do we get to the barn?" DSCN9747 "I just want to lay down and ruminate."
DSCN9748 "Move it along." DSCN9751 A girth of flowers! DSCN9777 Black and white cows DSC06098 A family affair
DSC06100 Flagship cows DSC06102 Costumes in the road and on the sidewalk DSCN9778 There are always more coming it seems DSCN9779 Hold 'em back!
DSCN9780 The heifers don't want to be left behind! DSCN9781 Mesdames et Monsieur DSCN9782 Then the girthful guys DSCN9783 must be that Bernese influence!
DSCN9788 Identity... DSCN9791 The flag of Gruyère wafts in the breeze... DSCN9793 Le Moléson broods in the distance... DSCN9820 La Croix Blanche flies over the Cors de Alpes...
DSCN9795 The children learn where they come from. DSCN9797 But also, fecondity... DSCN9798 not just of cows, but also of people DSCN9823 Time to get into the act?